In recent years, Diego Boneta, a noted actor from Mexico City, has grown weary of Hollywood’s repetitive focus on stories centered around drug cartels when it comes to depicting Latin cultures. With a desire to offer fresh material, Boneta is set to make his literary debut with a novel he describes as a “murder mystery, sexual thriller,” revolving around a fictional business dynasty, which hits the shelves this Thursday.
Boneta, who gained fame for his role as Latin pop icon Luis Miguel in Netflix’s biopic series from 2018 and his appearance in “Rock of Ages,” is now challenging stereotypical portrayals by launching his first novel, “The Undoing of Alejandro Velasco.” Published by Amazon Crossing, the book is available in English and accessible in Spanish in both digital and audio formats. Moreover, it is slated for adaptation into a television series.
Though hesitant to label himself solely as an author, Boneta, at 34, sees himself as a storyteller, a multifaceted role that includes being a producer and musician. He emphasizes the novel as the most personal project he’s undertaken, deeply connected to his experiences and emotions.
The narrative of the book follows Julian Villareal, a mysterious figure delving into the surprising death of his friend and competitor, Alejandro, unraveling a web of intrigue linked to the influential Velasco family. Boneta likens the story to films like “The Talented Mr. Ripley” and “Match Point,” set against the picturesque backdrop of San Miguel de Allende, known as the “Florence of Mexico.” Having spent much of his childhood visiting family in this historic city, Boneta sought to present this enchanting side of Mexico to a wider audience.
The journey into authorship was unexpected for Boneta, initially suggested by his sister and producing partner, Natalia González-Boneta, as they explored creating their intellectual property. In addition to writing, Boneta will take on the role of Julian in the Amazon Studios MGM series adaptation, which remains in the early stages of development due to the 2023 Hollywood strikes. The actor notes that developing the character of Julian allowed him to embrace complex and transformative roles he has always admired.
Reflecting on his childhood, Boneta recalls the lack of representation he felt and the desire to recognize himself in characters like Batman, prompting his narrative choices to ensure authenticity and inclusivity. He resists stereotypical clichés in favor of deeper integration, wishing for established characters such as Batman to naturally encompass diversity without making it a focal point.
In conclusion, with “The Undoing of Alejandro Velasco,” Boneta ventures beyond acting to craft a narrative that not only challenges prevalent stereotypes but also showcases his storytelling prowess, promising a rich depiction of mystery and culture.